Marshalls retain the Mallen Trophy
by Paul Barker, 14th July 2008

The finals day of the 2008 20/20 Mallen Trophy took place at Ordsall (Bridon CC’s Ground) and Cricket Field Lane, Retford. The first semi-final took place at Ordsall between the holders Marshalls and surprise packet Whitwell who had performed brilliantly to reach this stage of the competition.

However there was to be no fairy tale ending for Whitwell this time, as Marshalls seem to have developed a successful technique in these matches and from the moment their innings started only one result seemed likely.

Kevin Housham (56), skipper Paul Van den Heuval (38) and Greg Andrews (30) all batted superbly as Marshalls piled up a tremendous 192 for 6 at a sensational 9.6 runs per over. It was excitement all the way and the Whitwell fielders could only stand and admire the shots as they sailed to the fence time and again.

Despite a terrific effort especially from Christian Foster who remained unbeaten on 31, Whitwell were bowled out for 119 in a brave but vain effort to keep up with the clock. The accuracy of Mark Davies (4 for 14) was the main thorn in their side and the victory by 73 runs, gave Marshalls high hopes of retaining the trophy which they claimed last season.

The second semi-final at Cricket Field Lane, Retford, was between Edwinstowe and another Division 1 side, Eckington who are the runaway leaders in this section. This time there was a shock result with Eckington surging to a deserved six-wicket success.

Batting first, Edwinstowe were restricted to 122 for 7 with Richard Gombos top scoring with a sparkling 33.

Any hopes that this would be enough were quickly dispelled as Eckington with skipper Andy Thompson leading from the front simply took apart the Edwinstowe attack. Thompson made an unbeaten 66 as Eckington raced to 124 for 4 and victory.

And so to the final again at Cricket Field Lane with Marshalls once again taking first knock. They totalled 141 for 8 with skipper Paul Van den Heuval again leading from the front with 32 priceless runs. Good support came from Australian Andrew Coles (29) and James Deacon (27) whilst Steve Nicholas (3 for 16) and Steve Allcock (3 for 20) doing everything to keep the target within manageable distance.

This time however, Eckington could not keep up with the pace and were dismissed for 92 after a brave effort to overhaul the target. Chris Ludlam top scored with 28, but an inspired spell by Mark Whitlam who took 5 for 7 with a hat-trick included proved just too much for them this time.

So Marshalls take the trophy for the second consecutive season but spare a thought for Eckington as this was their very first defeat of the season. It was a terrific day and the Bassetlaw Cricket League thanked Retford Cricket Club for their hospitality and facilities that attracted a good crowd to the ground.

Members from the family of the late Mr. J. J. Mallen presented the trophy to Paul Van den Heuvel of Marshalls and members of the Mr. H. Pope family presented the Pope Trophy for man of the match for the final to Mark Whitlam.

The umpires for the final were Mr. Gary France and Mr. David Hodgkin with Mr. Brian Rivington and Mr. Steve Whitlam being the other semi-final officials.